Executive Personal Assistant to Principal at Granville Academy

About this Role

Granville Academy is part of The Affinity Learning Partnership.  We are a Multi Academy Trust currently based in Staffordshire and Derbyshire. We consist of 3 Secondary Academies and 4 Primary Academies.

Here, at Granville Academy, we are on a truly exciting journey of improving standards and outcomes in our pursuit of excellence.  We are already seeing excellent results with a strong Ofsted report that recognises the good work we are doing. 

Our visitors tell us that our academy offers a warm welcome with a calm atmosphere conducive to high quality teaching and learning and a friendly community ethos. We are a passionate and committed group of staff who support each other to be the best that we can be.

Our vision is to ensure that all the children and young people in our care have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through achieving highly, regardless of their ability or background.

At Granville Academy we believe in working hard, being kind and choosing wisely. We are privileged to work in a community where we have a positive impact on children’s lives and their futures every day. 

The Candidate

We are looking to appoint a highly effective, organised and motivated Executive Assistant to our Principal. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic colleague to support the Principal and the senior leadership team in delivering our vision.

This is a key role at the heart of our academy.  As the Executive PA, you will be the first point of contact for the Principal's office, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and acting as a professional liaison between staff, parents, governors, and external stakeholders.

In this exciting role, we are looking for candidates who are ambitious and hardworking but also resolute in the face of adversity. You will be well organised and willing to go the ‘extra mile’. You will be meticulous and show attention to detail.  You will be able to build positive, supportive relationships with parents, carers and students and other stakeholders. As the first point of contact, you will be able to hold challenging conversations with warmth, professionalism and resilience. 

The role requires you to manage complex diaries, arrange meetings and support the coordination of school events.  You must be prepared to manage confidential correspondence, reports and briefings with professionalism and integrity.  It will be essential to maintain efficient administrative systems and handle sensitive information with discretion.  

The role  requires you to liaise with the local authority and educational partners as required.  An ability to support governance: scheduling and minuting board/governor meetings is desirable. Within the role you will also line manage various members of the support staff team and must have experience in this area.

The relationship between the Principal and this role is the key to success.  The successful applicant will have proven experience as a PA/EA. They will be personable and kind.  They will be able to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication, strong IT skills (MS Office, Google Workspace, SIMS are desirable), show high levels of discretion, professionalism, and initiative. Essentially, they will demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities and remain calm under pressure. 

If you are someone who is looking for a position that will provide you with daily challenges but also a rewarding role in a busy school environment, we would love to hear from you.

Why Work for Affinity?

At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, a workplace where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered.

As a Trust, we are privileged to employ inspirational people who make a positive difference every day. In return, we continually strengthen our offer of a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious working environment, one that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and fosters pride across our organisation.

Our People Strategy

Our People Strategy is built around three core pillars:

Belongs - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.

Progresses - Staff Development and CPD

Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Thrives - Wellbeing

We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.

What are the Benefits of Joining Affinity?

• Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model
• Removal of performance-related pay
• A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace
• Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks
• A Trust-wide approach to reducing workload
• Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network
• One dedicated wellbeing day per academic year

In addition to these core benefits, we also provide an excellent wider package that includes:

• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services
• Access to Benenden Health's self-pay private heathcare service
• Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active
• Cycle to Work scheme
• BHSF health cash plan
• Eye care vouchers
• Flu vaccination vouchers
• Generous pension schemes through Teachers Pensions and the Local Government Pension Scheme

Additional Information:

Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.

Please note:  Completed applications should be received by 09:00am of the closing date.

Please ensure to regularly check your junk/spam folder for any correspondence in relation to the progress of your application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, it is not policy to give individual feedback at this stage.

We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce, and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process should this be required. 

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.